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Creamy Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe Easy Comfort Meal for Dinner

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A quick and easy creamy cheesy taco pasta that combines seasoned ground beef, a luscious cheese sauce, and pasta for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz/28g) taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%, dairy-free milk optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) salsa (mild or medium)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450g) ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add the finely chopped small onion and 2 cloves minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the 1 packet taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat evenly. Pour in 1/2 cup (120ml) water and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Add 4 ounces (115g) softened cream cheese, 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup (240ml) milk, and 1/2 cup (120ml) salsa to the skillet. Stir constantly until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth and creamy. Add more milk if sauce is too thick.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently fold to coat all pasta with the creamy cheesy taco sauce. Cook for 2 minutes more to let flavors meld.
  7. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle optional toppings like sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or diced jalapeños if desired.
  8. Serve immediately warm.

Notes

Do not skip the cream cheese for best creamy texture. Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Brown beef well for flavor. Simmer taco seasoning with water to unlock spices. Adjust sauce consistency with milk if needed. Can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for different diets. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta, creamy pasta, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, comfort food, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/creamy-cheesy-taco-pasta-recipe-easy-comfort-meal-for-dinner/